Here, we’ll look at what mold spores are and how to get rid of them from the air in our homes.
Mold spores are tiny reproductive fungal cells that float through the air as microscopic particles looking for a favorable environment to establish new mold colonies.
The air we breathe on a daily basis, including inside our homes, typically contains these spores. According to Medical News Today, “all indoor environments have some mold spores in them, but this does not affect most people.”
However, in sufficient concentrations, they may cause respiratory symptoms like sneezing, coughing, runny noses, and irritation. For the most part, they are not harmful or dangerous to humans. People with mold allergies may experience more severe reactions. This article will discuss mold spores and how to get rid of them from the air.
What Are Mold Spores?
Typically, you wouldn’t see fungi, but mold spores do exist. In actuality, they circulate in the air we breathe as microscopic particles. You normally wouldn’t know if any mold spores were nearby unless a situation with high moisture occurred. To grow and reproduce, mold spores require a set of very specific conditions.
The key is to keep your home free from excessive moisture and darkness. Remember that there are mold spores in every house and building in the world. You can make an effort to lower the numbers in the air you breathe, but you cannot eradicate them.
Can You Get Rid of Mold Spores in the Air?
There are always mold spores present. They can float in the air for an endless amount of time due to their size (between 2-100 microns), which makes them invisible to the human eye. They can easily be carried long distances and inside buildings by the slightest breeze.
In fact, even the EPA’s website succinctly states that “mold spores cannot be eliminated from indoor environments.”
So what can you do if you’re experiencing health issues caused by mold spores? While it’s not feasible to maintain a completely sterile environment free of mold spores, there are ways that you can significantly reduce the number of mold spores in the air in your home.
How to Get Rid of Mold Spores in the Air?
The mold spores that are floating around your home or workplace can be eliminated in a number of ways. Here are some things you can do to remove mold spores in your Houston home:
Ventilate Your Home With Fresh Outdoor Air
Open windows as often as possible to let fresh outdoor airflow into the building. Ensure this easy flow of movement by opening the doors between rooms. As a result, any mold spores or other particles that have accumulated inside your home will be forced outside by the circulation of fresh air.
Keep Your Home Clean
Mold growth inside your home is typically indicated by the presence of mold spores. You can use sprayable mold remover products to clean the surfaces of your house.
Use Air Purifiers
Due to their ability to filter out particles as small as 0.003 microns, including the microscopic ones produced by molds, these appliances are effective against mold spores.
HEPA filters are used by air purifiers to remove any mold spores from the air. Any mold spores that might be in the space will be captured and eliminated by these filters. For really good indoor air quality, one purifier per room is typically the most ideal number.
Install a Dehumidifier in Your Home
Install one of these devices to control humidity levels and stop the growth of mold spores if you have them inside your home. Since mold grows best in environments with high humidity, a dehumidifier effectively stops the spread of spores while also eradicating any present ones. It functions by sucking up extra moisture from the air.
Install HEPA Filters on Air-conditioning Units
Installing these air filters on your A/Cs is an easy way to eliminate mold spores from the air and provide cleaner indoor air. Molds are prevented from growing and spreading by keeping the drip pan and drain lines dry.
Exhaust Fans
Consider installing exhaust fans in your bathrooms and other places where moisture tends to collect to remove mold spores from the air. Exhaust ventilation systems are equipped with these high-powered fans that pull out moist air after it has been used by you or washed down the drain. Thus, mold cannot flourish on walls, floors, or ceilings because low humidity levels are maintained. Read More: How to Remove Mold from Inside Walls?
Address and Fix Plumbing Leaks
It will also aid in preventing the spread of mold spores in your home if you fix any potential water damage to the basement and other areas. Make sure your home is always dry and free of excess moisture.
Basement Carpets Are a Bad Idea
Since the basement is always the first place that water will get into the home, it is a bad idea to have carpets down there. Mold can grow on them because they retain moisture. Tile or hardwood floors will keep your basement dry and clean.
Consider Getting An Air Quality Professional
If you’ve tried all of these solutions and you still have a mold issue, you should think about hiring an expert in indoor air quality. To ensure that the air inside your entire house is clean, they will inspect it and remove any mold or mold spores for you.
Read More: Does Ammonia Kill Mold?
What Causes Mold Spores in the Air?
In our environment, mold naturally exists, but it only thrives and grows in damp areas. A plethora of airborne mold spores in your home is certainly the result of some kind of moisture issue, such as:
- Roof or internal plumbing leaks
- “>”>Poor outdoor drainage
- “>”>Poor indoor air circulation
- High indoor humidity
- “>Improper ventilation
- “>Malfunctioning HVAC system
How Long Do Mold Spores Stay in the Air?
Unfortunately, mold spores can linger in the air for a very long time, particularly if mold is present in your home, hasn’t been completely removed, or has been disturbed.
Additionally, even if mold is not presently present in your home, mold spores have the ability to spread over great distances by adhering to you or your pets or entering through ventilation. Once inside, they can easily spread and attach to damp areas that are left unattended.
Regularly checking for mold is essential because there are so many places in your home where it can grow, including the HVAC, ventilation, plumbing, and even outdoor maintenance. Reduce the likelihood of mold spores remaining in the air by maintaining proper air circulation and checking the quality of the air.
FAQs
What Kills Mold Spores Instantly?
Hydrogen peroxide kills mold effectively on materials such as clothing, floors, bathroom fixtures, walls, and items such as kitchen appliances. Fill a spray bottle with hydrogen peroxide at a 3% concentration. Spray the moldy surface completely to saturate the area with hydrogen peroxide.
How Do You Know If You Have Mold Spores in the Air?
The most common sign of a problem with mold is the musty smell it produces. Anywhere there is sufficient moisture or a water issue, mold can grow. The best way to identify mold is to look for signs of mold growth, water stains, or warping, or to follow your nose to the source of the odor.
What Are the Signs of Mold Sickness?
Signs and symptoms of allergic rhinitis caused by a mold allergy can include:
- Sneezing.
- Runny or stuffy nose.
- coughing and nasal drip
- throat, nose, and eyes itching.
- Watery eyes.
- Dry, scaly skin.
Why is It Important to Remove Mold Spores from the Air?
Mold spores by themselves are not dangerous. People who are allergic to mold or who are exposed to it too much may experience respiratory issues and allergies.
Can I Leave the Vinegar on the Mold Overnight?
Spray vinegar onto the moldy surface and leave it for an hour. After that, use some water to clean the area, and let the surface dry. Any smell should clear within a few hours. While it’s safe to use on most surfaces, vinegar is unlikely to be effective at cleaning mold off of soft surfaces.
Conclusion: Clean the Mold Spores in Your Home
How can airborne mold spores be removed? We give you nine options for removing mold from the air in your home. It’s crucial to get rid of mold spores from your home because they can be dangerous to your health and the health of your family. Mold spores can be eliminated from your home’s air by taking one or more of the above-listed actions.
The bottom line is that you must address the source of the issue—excessive moisture—if you want to stop the spread of airborne mold spores. Doing so will remove the hazard of mold and create a more comfortable and efficient home environment.
